Modi Reaffirms India’s Commitment To ASEAN Centrality, Indo-Pacific Stability

By By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed New Delhi’s steadfast commitment to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, with ASEAN centrality at its core.

“The Indo-Pacific region is emerging as the growth engine of the world. Along with ASEAN, we are committed to development, peace and stability in the entire Indo-Pacific region.

“India gives priority to ASEAN centrality,” he said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here, on Sunday.

In this regard, Modi said India would broaden its relations and cooperation with friendly ASEAN nations, such as Malaysia.

“We agree that the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) should be completed soon,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of strengthening relations with Malaysia, as well as their shared view on the necessity of reforms to global institutions, particularly in the current global landscape.

“We will continue to support all peace efforts, and our message on terrorism is clear: no double standards, no compromise,” he said.

Modi said Malaysia and India share deep connections rooted in cultural heritage and democratic values.

“The relations between India and Malaysia are very special. We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, there have been deep and close ties between our people. 

“Today, Malaysia is the second-largest country in the world with a population of Indian origin. Our civilisations are linked by shared cultural heritage and democratic values,” he noted.

Earlier, the two Prime Ministers held a bilateral meeting and witnessed the exchange of 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and other documents covering various sectors of cooperation between the two countries, including a MoU on audio-visual co-production.

The Indian premier expressed confidence that the agreement on audio-visual co-production will bring the two nations even closer through films and music, particularly Tamil films.

Modi was on an official visit to Malaysia from Feb 7 to 8 at the invitation of Anwar. The visit was also to reciprocate Anwar’s official visit to India in August 2024.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957, Malaysia and India have built a partnership based on mutual respect and shared values, with the relationship elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024.

-- BERNAMA